This past Christmas, a neighbourhood celebration in Uzbekistan was hosted by Tatyana Akhmadiyeva, a member of a local Baptist church.At the event, she offered Christian magazines to 15 of her neighbours.
Local authorities received a report about the distribution and summoned Tatyana for questioning. She was told that the publications had been imported illegally since they had not been evaluated by the ‘Struggle with Extremism and Terrorism Department’.
Source: Forum18
As a result, the officials confiscated the magazines, which they claimed were unlawfully distributed and fined Tatyana the equivalent of two weeks’ average wages.
Tatyana’s January trial lasted only 15 minutes and resulted in her conviction. On 12 February, the fine was upheld and the magazines were ordered to be destroyed. Tatyana intends to appeal the decision of the court.
Let us pray.
- Prayerfully uphold believers who, like Tatyana, are facing legal pressures or other forms of persecution in Uzbekistan, as they seek ways to share the Good News.
- Pray that a favourable decision will be made by court officials regarding Tatyana’s appeal.
- Pray for President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and all those in authority. Pray for revival in the country.
Praying
Father, you are the great Pastor of your People in every land and we praise and thank you for your leadership, teaching and care and grace given through your word and the Holy Spirit. We uphold believers who, like Tatyana are facing legal pressures and other forms of persecution in Uzbekistan, as they seek ways to share the Good News. Help them to persevere and endure by your strength and give them daily encouragement as they take up their cross and follow you. We pray that a favourable decision will be made by court officials regarding Tatyana’s appeal. We also pray for President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and all those in authority that they might come under the sound of the Gospel and turn to you in deep and profound repentance and faith. Indeed we pray for revival in the country.